The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1887-01-22

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McClur0 d Co., and s. A. Ma1scea q Co., or
can be ordered through The UntUersIllst Pub
kshino House, Western Branch
AMERICAN LITERATURE. 1607-1885. Vol. 1.
The DEVELOPMENT of American Thought
BY Charles f. Richardson. New York and
London: g. P. Putnam's Sons.
This volumeis portly octave of 535 pages.
It is more, very much more, than descrip-
ton of American books, and a survey of the
achievements of our writer's. 1t is philo-
sophical analysis and discussion of the sources
whence have come American literature, and
critical history of the literary development of
the country. 1t is apparently written with
the inspiration gained from the new style of
history, and applies to American literature
the same methods which in the broader field
have given the world such books as Green's
History of the English People, and MacMas-
ters History of the People of the United
States. The key to the authors method is
discovered in the words with which the intro
duction closes: "What has been and what is
the environment of our literature? What
have been the relations between cause and
effect, between the Saxon mind in England
and the Saxon mind in American What have
American writers thus far done worthy to be
mentioned beside Goethe, Schiller, Hugo,
Wordsworth, Tennyson, Carlyle, George Ell
lot, and all the great writers of this and pre-
vious centuries? Which of our books are
worlds books, and why? How and why have
American writers succeeded and failedr'
The work is devoted to a survey of American
literature, with these central questions in
view, "a modest endeavor," as the writer
modestly puts it, ''to aid readers in answer
ing these questions"
Twelve chapters are devoted to the discus
sions which follow. The author first consid-
ers the Race Elements in American Litera-
ture: next considers the New Environment of
the Saxon Mind, and follows with chapter
on the Early Descriptive and Historical
Writers. The Theologians of the Seventeenth
Century, Political Literature, Religion and
Philosophy in Later Years, Essayists, Histo-
rians, aud the Border Lands of American
Literature are discussed, and there are chap
ters given to Benjamin franklin, Washington
Irving and Ralph Waldo Emerson.
The work built up around these central
themes is that of a master. We have proba-
bly, never had a more iudicious and truly
critical estimate of American literature than
is given in these pages. They are also made
interesting by history and anecdote, and
reyis-7 of what is most characteristic in the
hools and writings under consideration.
Under the treatment of the author we see the
orderly development of distinctive American
thought in religious, political and philosoph-
ical directions. The chapter on Franklin Is
almost an inner biography of the great Com
moner; while that on the Theologians-
Cotton Mather, Samuel Willard, Edwards,
Samuel Hopkins and others-brings before
us in vivid array the religious controversies
in New England from the beginning of our
history, We cannot refer the reader to any
more satisfactory review of the religious
controversies of America than is contained
in this chapter, and that on Religion and
Philosophy in Later Years. In political
matters also the volume is rich in this kind
of instructive review. We may not always
agree with Mr.. Richardson in his estimates
of writers and their works, but no one can
follow his discussions without running the
danger of absorbing his opinions, SO clearly
and vigorously are they set forth. The study
of the work will yield large advantage to any
one interested in the literary history of Amer
lea and the authors by whom our literature
has been produced. The preseAt volume
does not include poetry or fiction. The sec
ond volume, completing the work, will be
devoted to these departments and published
next year.
We have noticed on several occasions, and
with commeudation, the Alden edition of
Guizot's Illustrated History OF France The
work is comprised in eight volumes, copl-
ously illustrated and well printed. The firm
now issues a library edition of the work IN
half morocco, similar to the edition of lrv- |
ing's works which proved so popular. The |
first and second volumes are before us. Inc |
paper is of a superior quality and the bind
ing very handsome, the edges OF the volume
neatly marbled. OF the work itself we need |
only remark that it belongs in the front rank
of histories; certainly there is no History of
France to compare with it for comprehen-
siyeness and picturesque eloquence. Inc
style of Guizot is brilliant, warm with color
and graphic with true word painter g touch. |
In his pages the reader is carried along with |
all the interest of an enticiDg romance. The |
dramatic and romantic history of France is |
well adapted to display all his great powers.
The price of this edition is $500, which Is
marvelously cheap considering the value of |
the work and beauty of the edition. New |
York; John B. Alden.)
One hundred and two famous authors, be-
ginning with Mary Cowden Clarke (whoisyet |
Iiying) and closing with Cyprian of Carthage |
"a. D. 2OO-258) are represented in the NTH |
volume of Alden's Cyctopedio Of UniUersat |
Literature, which is now ready. We have |
examined carefully the first and second vol
umes of this work, and also this fifth volume, |
all that we have received. and can sincerely |
recommend it. 1t is exceedingly well ar
ranged for working purposes. First Is given
the name of each author, and the facts of his
or her history. Then list of principal
works. with selections from the most impor-
tant writings, prose or poetry, the intention
being to embrace within the quotations, pas
sages which reveal the characteristic genius
and expression of each author. The selections
are unusually well done. The plan of the
work is excellent, and when completed it will
be very valuable cyclopedia, necessity to
every one who wishes to be informed on the
authors of the past and present. Price so
cents volume. Cloth, silt tops. (John B.
Alden, New York;
In Footprints Of the Saviour, by Rev. Juli-